Shutout loss stings debut of Scorpions' stadium

Updated 11:40 pm, Saturday, April 13, 2013

Edin Husic starts a break for the Scorpions as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Edin Husic starts a break for the Scorpions as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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The San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

The San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Kevin Harmes tackles Raphael Cox midfield as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Kevin Harmes tackles Raphael Cox midfield as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Soccer fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Soccer fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Morgan Hartman gets high fives for kicking the ceremonial first goal as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Morgan Hartman gets high fives for kicking the ceremonial first goal as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Walter Ramirez sprints into the center to start a play as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Walter Ramirez sprints into the center to start a play as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Lyle Martin speeds into position as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Lyle Martin speeds into position as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Lyle Martin takes a shot as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Lyle Martin takes a shot as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Shane Hill moves downfield for the Rowdies as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Shane Hill moves downfield for the Rowdies as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Lyle Matin moves into scoring position as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Lyle Matin moves into scoring position as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Fans turn up the noise as the game starts as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Fans turn up the noise as the game starts as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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The U.S. flag is put into motion before the start of the game as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

The U.S. flag is put into motion before the start of the game as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Ivan Milicevic is held back from progressing into range as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Ivan Milicevic is held back from progressing into range as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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The Rowdies block a shot on goal as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

The Rowdies block a shot on goal as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Lyle Martin (left) is jammed by Andres Arango as he tries to squeeze into scoring position on the right as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Lyle Martin (left) is jammed by Andres Arango as he tries to squeeze into scoring position on the right as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Scorpions defenseman Lyle Martin (front) takes a shot while closely guarded in the first half during the team's Toyota Field debut Saturday night before 8,177 fans.

Scorpions defenseman Lyle Martin (front) takes a shot while closely guarded in the first half during the team's Toyota Field debut Saturday night before 8,177 fans.

Photo: Photos By Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

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Fans line up early to get into Toyota Field for the Scorpions' home opener for the 2013 season and the debut of their new stadium.

Fans line up early to get into Toyota Field for the Scorpions' home opener for the 2013 season and the debut of their new stadium.

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Fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Fans line up early to get in the stadium as the San Antonio Scorpions open in their new stadium, Toyota Field against Tampa Bay on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

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Shutout loss stings debut of Scorpions' stadium

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It was a night for history Saturday at the former Longhorn Quarry, where the Scorpions played their first match at the brand-new Toyota Field in front of an announced capacity crowd of 8,177.

It was also a night for moral victories after Tampa Bay, the defending NASL champion, spoiled what had been a rabid housewarming party with a 2-0 victory.

A disappointing result — but not nearly as bad as last year's season opener, when the Scorpions were ravaged 4-0 by Puerto Rico at Heroes Stadium.

“Progress,” midfielder Hans Denissen said. “We have to see it like that.”

Not the progress the Scorpions were hoping for, however.

Two matches into their second NASL season, they've earned just one of a possible six points with zero goals.

It wasn't for lack of chances. The Scorpions generated 13 shots and flubbed multiple quality chances in front of Tampa Bay's net.

They couldn't capitalize, however, while Tampa Bay took advantage of two defensive breakdowns — first on a first-half corner kick after the Scorpions failed to clear the ball, and the second on a breakaway that forced goalkeeper Pat Hannigan to concede a penalty kick.